Pickaway County, Ohio — A routine traffic stop on August 23, 2024, led to the arrest of two individuals after a Pickaway County Sheriff’s Deputy discovered drugs and suspected stolen property in their vehicle.
At approximately 10:37 p.m., a deputy observed a blue 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with obstructed and dim license plate lights traveling southbound on State Route 104. The vehicle made an un-signaled turn into a private property at 23800 State Route 104, prompting a traffic stop. The driver, Ricky Lovins Jr., 28, was found to have a suspended driver’s license and was cited for improper display of a license plate and driving under suspension.
During the stop, the passenger, identified as Willie Maynard, initially provided false identification. The deputy requested assistance from K-9 Unit Deputy Magana and his partner, K-9 Din, who conducted a free air sniff around the vehicle. K-9 Din alerted to the presence of narcotics.
Lovins was discovered to have an active warrant, leading to his arrest. The passenger, later identified as Christopher Sliker, was also detained after providing false identification. A search of the vehicle revealed hypodermic needles, a small amount of methamphetamine, and numerous items of clothing with security tags, indicating they might be stolen.
Lovins and Sliker were taken to the Pickaway County Jail, where Lovins was initially refused entry due to a suspected contagious infection and was transported to Berger Hospital for evaluation. Sliker was accepted into the jail but was found to have drug residue on foil during a further search.
Scioto Valley Towing impounded the vehicle, which contained suspected stolen property. Both men face multiple charges, including drug possession and falsification. The case remains under investigation, and further charges may be forthcoming.
